{"id":154765,"date":"2025-06-03T12:21:24","date_gmt":"2025-06-03T12:21:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/154765\/"},"modified":"2025-06-03T12:21:24","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T12:21:24","slug":"5-android-phones-you-should-buy-instead-of-the-galaxy-s25-edge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/154765\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Android phones you should buy instead of the Galaxy S25 Edge"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Samsung<\/p>\n

Ryan Haines \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

The Galaxy S25 Edge<\/a> is one of the most polarizing Android phones of the year. Samsung\u2019s ultra-thin smartphone boasts some truly impressive design chops, cramming a 6.7-inch display into a body that\u2019s thinner and lighter than previously thought possible.<\/p>\n

At the same time, the S25 Edge\u2019s middling battery life, lacking camera setup, and disappointing thermal performance may leave you scratching your head as to why Samsung deems the Edge worthy of its $1,100 asking price.<\/p>\n

As impressive as certain aspects of the Edge may be, I can\u2019t help but look at it and think your money is better spent elsewhere \u2014 specifically, with any one of these five Android phones you should buy instead of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.<\/p>\n

Which phone would you buy instead of the Galaxy S25 Edge?<\/p>\n

67 votes<\/p>\n

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus<\/p>\n

28%<\/p>\n

Samsung Galaxy S25<\/p>\n

13%<\/p>\n

OnePlus 13<\/p>\n

24%<\/p>\n

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL<\/p>\n

16%<\/p>\n

Motorola Razr Ultra<\/p>\n

16%<\/p>\n

Other (let us know in the comments)<\/p>\n

1%<\/p>\n

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus<\/p>\n

\"Samsung<\/p>\n

Ryan Haines \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s start with the most obvious S25 Edge alternative: the Galaxy S25 Plus<\/a>. With a retail price that\u2019s $100 cheaper than the S25 Edge, you\u2019d expect the S25 Plus to be a worse overall phone. But in reality, the Plus either meets or beats the Edge in almost every regard.<\/p>\n

Battery capacity is perhaps the most significant difference between the two. Where the S25 Edge has a paltry 3,900mAh battery, the S25 Plus has a much more appropriately-sized 4,900mAh one. The S25 Plus doesn\u2019t have the most remarkable battery life we\u2019ve ever seen, but it\u2019s enough to easily get you through a full day or a day and a half on a single charge. The S25 Edge, meanwhile, will almost certainly require a midday recharge if you use it too much.<\/p>\n

Charge speeds are also noticeably worse on the S25 Edge, which supports just 25W wired charge speeds, while the S25 Plus is capable of 45W. And as you\u2019ve likely noticed by now, the S25 Edge is missing a telephoto camera compared to the S25 Plus. In real-world use, that\u2019s a difference of only having a maximum zoom length of 10x on the Edge compared to 30x on the Plus.<\/p>\n

\"Samsung<\/p>\n

C. Scott Brown \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

What about other important aspects like display quality and performance? The Galaxy S25 Edge and S25 Plus have identical screen and chipset technology. The screens across the two are virtually indistinguishable, but while the chips are the same, the Edge\u2019s thinner body means it\u2019s much more prone to overheating and performance throttling \u2014 something we observed frequently during our testing.<\/p>\n

At the end of the day, the S25 Edge is an objectively worse version of the S25 Plus, and a more expensive one, too. Is the thin design nice? Sure. But the S25 Plus isn\u2019t a particularly heavy or uncomfortable phone, and it outperforms the Edge in so many different ways. Unless you absolutely need the S25 Edge\u2019s thin body, the S25 Plus is unquestionably the better purchase between the two.<\/p>\n

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus<\/a>\"Samsung<\/p>\n

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus<\/p>\n

Snapdragon 8 Elite power \u2022 12GB RAM \u2022 7 years software support<\/p>\n

A powerful 6.7-inch phone, with 7 years of updates<\/p>\n

The middle offering of Samsung’s 2025 flagship launch, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is a 6.7-inch QHD+ device with a 50MP camera, 12GB of RAM, 256GB+ of storage, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. UWB connectivity, a 4,900mAh battery, and ProScaler for QHD+ round out the upgrades over the base model phone.<\/p>\n

Samsung Galaxy S25<\/p>\n

\"Samsung<\/p>\n

Hadlee Simons \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

While the Galaxy S25 Plus is arguably the most logical direct alternative to the Galaxy S25 Edge, I also think there\u2019s a strong argument to make for the regular Galaxy S25. It has some technical downgrades compared to the S25 Plus \u2014 namely, its battery capacity and charge speeds, which are almost identical to the S25 Edge \u2014 and there\u2019s half the amount of base internal storage, too. But it still has a high-quality display, the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, and an identical camera setup to that of the S25 Plus.<\/p>\n

What makes the Galaxy S25 a particularly interesting S25 Edge competitor is its hardware. While not as thin as the Edge (7.2mm vs. 5.8mm), the two phones weigh almost the same. In fact, the regular S25 is a tiny bit lighter than the S25 Edge. The S25\u2019s 6.2-inch screen is much more manageable, too, allowing for easier one-handed use compared to the 6.7-inch panel on the Edge.<\/p>\n

In other words, if what you\u2019re looking for is a compact, comfortable Samsung phone, you get that with the Galaxy S25 \u2014 plus with fewer thermal issues, better battery life, and more capable cameras than the Edge. And that\u2019s not to mention the $800 retail price, which keeps an extra $300 in your pocket compared to buying the Galaxy S25 Edge.<\/p>\n

Samsung Galaxy S25<\/a>\"Samsung<\/p>\n

Samsung Galaxy S25<\/p>\n

12GB RAM \u2022 Vastly improved software \u2022 7 years of support<\/p>\n

Refined software, AI smarts, and next-gen hardware<\/p>\n

With an emphasis on AI features, and a move to Gemini, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is an exciting update to the Galaxy S line. Equipped with a 6.2-inch FHD+ display, Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, 12GB of RAM, a powerful 50MP camera, and updated hardware materials, we expect big things from the base model of Samsung’s 2025 flagship phone.<\/p>\n

OnePlus 13<\/p>\n

\"Someone<\/p>\n

Joe Maring \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re comfortable looking at phones not made by Samsung, the OnePlus 13<\/a> stands out as my number one non-Samsung recommendation. Is it as thin or as lightweight as the Galaxy S25 Edge? Not even close. Instead, the OnePlus 13 is a stylish, well-made, and highly specced Android phone. On a personal level, it\u2019s my favorite of all the alternatives mentioned here.<\/p>\n

What it lacks in ultra-thinness, the OnePlus 13 more than makes up for with its attractive design. The blue leather backside looks and feels outstanding, and despite being nearly 50 grams heavier than the S25 Edge, the OnePlus 13 feels shockingly light and comfortable in the hand.<\/p>\n

OnePlus\u2019s camera package is far and away better, offering up to a ridiculous 120x zoom\u00a0<\/strong>and delivering really lovely images with its primary and ultrawide cameras, too. The OnePlus 13\u2019s 6,000mAh battery allows for two days of use and truly puts the Galaxy S25 Edge\u2019s battery to shame, as do OnePlus\u2019s 80W wired and 50W wireless charge speeds \u2014 numbers the Galaxy S25 Edge can only dream of achieving.<\/p>\n

The OnePlus 13 is one of the most capable and well-rounded Android phones available today, and the fact that its $900 retail price comes in $200 less than the Galaxy S25 Edge is just icing on the cake.<\/p>\n

OnePlus 13<\/a>\"OnePlus\"AA<\/p>\n

OnePlus 13<\/p>\n

Gorgeous design \u2022 Clever AI features \u2022 Flexible cameras<\/p>\n

The OG flagship killer’s killer flagship.<\/p>\n

The OnePlus 13 is the company’s most killer flagship to date, offering a massive battery, speedy charging, and powerful cameras that give Google and Samsung something to worry about.<\/p>\n

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL<\/p>\n

\"google<\/p>\n

Rita El Khoury \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

Another good non-Samsung recommendation is the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL<\/a>. While it\u2019s not as good of an overall value as the OnePlus 13, it\u2019s the same price as the Galaxy S25 Edge and is a much better overall smartphone.<\/p>\n

Without a doubt, one of the most significant advantages of buying the Pixel 9 Pro XL over the S25 Edge is the camera experience. Not only does the 48MP periscope telephoto camera fill the telephoto gap found on the S25 Edge, but the overall camera package is just better. All of the camera sensors are excellent, Google\u2019s image processing is unbelievably consistent, and the suite of AI shooting\/editing tricks is among the best out there.<\/p>\n

Google matches Samsung\u2019s seven-year update policy, though you\u2019ll get updates much faster on the Pixel 9 Pro XL than you ever will on the Galaxy S25 Edge. Furthermore, if you like what you\u2019ve seen with Material 3 Expressive from Android 16<\/a>, you\u2019re going to want a Pixel phone, as Samsung doesn\u2019t show any indication of adopting it with One UI 8.<\/p>\n

Cameras and software are the Pixel\u2019s greatest strengths, but it\u2019s also incredibly solid elsewhere. Performance is great for daily use, the display is outstanding, and Google\u2019s other AI features are among the most helpful I\u2019ve used. In some cases, it might be worth waiting for the Pixel 10 Pro XL<\/a>, but if you\u2019re in the market for a phone right now and have $1,100 to spend, I\u2019d still argue the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a better use of your money than the S25 Edge.<\/p>\n

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL<\/a>\"Google\"AA<\/p>\n

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL<\/p>\n

The best specs in the Pixel 9 series \u2022 Gorgeous display \u2022 Seven years of software updates<\/p>\n

Pure XL-ence.<\/p>\n

Google reserves its best hardware for the largest device in the line. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a 6.8-inch display, the biggest battery we’ve ever seen in a Pixel phone, and 37W wired charging. Otherwise, the Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Pro XL share almost all other hardware and software features, giving users the option between display sizes with top hardware.<\/p>\n

Motorola Razr Ultra<\/p>\n

\"Motorola<\/p>\n

Ryan Haines \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

My last pick for a Galaxy S25 Edge alternative is a bit of a wild card, but I think there\u2019s an argument to make for it. I\u2019m talking about the Motorola Razr Ultra<\/a>. Like the Galaxy S25 Edge, the Razr Ultra puts a big emphasis on style and design, yet it does that through a foldable form factor and (amazingly) with better specs, too.<\/p>\n

The S25 Edge\u2019s thin titanium design is impressive, but you know what\u2019s more impressive? A phone with a wooden back. Or one made with Alcantara, or a leather or satin-like finish. You get all of those on the Razr Ultra, and they all make the phone stand out in their own ways.<\/p>\n

The foldable nature of the Razr Ultra helps with that, too. When the phone is open, the 7-inch AMOLED panel is as good as you could ask for. And when the phone is shut, you can do almost anything and run any app you\u2019d like on the 4-inch cover screen. The Razr Ultra may not be as thin or lightweight as the S25 Edge, but if portability is a top concern for you, the convenience of the cover screen is worth a few extra millimeters and grams.<\/p>\n

\"Motorola<\/p>\n

Ryan Haines \/ Android Authority<\/p>\n

Even more amazing is that the Razr Ultra out-classes the Galaxy S25 Edge in areas you\u2019d expect a traditional slab phone to shine. Compared to the Edge, the Razr\u2019s battery life and charge speeds are both significantly better. Performance is also slightly improved, and the camera system is more capable, supporting up to 30x zoom and featuring a nicer 50MP ultrawide camera instead of the S25 Edge\u2019s 12MP sensor.<\/p>\n

The biggest downside to the Razr Ultra is its price; at $1,300, the phone costs $200 more than the S25 Edge. However, considering everything the Razr Ultra brings to the table \u2014 and how much more unique it is compared to Samsung\u2019s phone \u2014 it\u2019s not outrageously more expensive. If you\u2019re eyeing the Galaxy S25 Edge because you want a phone that\u2019ll stand out from the crowd, the Razr Ultra is well worth taking a close look at instead.<\/p>\n

Motorola Razr Ultra<\/a>\"Motorola\"AA<\/p>\n

Motorola Razr Ultra<\/p>\n

Blisteringly fast charging and excellent battery life \u2022 Ultra-flagship-tier performance \u2022 Top-notch materials and eye-catching Pantone colors<\/p>\n

High-end processing power in a folding shell<\/p>\n

Adding Ultra to the name, the Motorola Razr Ultra is the first folding phone from Moto with a top-tier processor. The 7-inch folding display is paired with a half-size front display to give you both a premium experience, and a compact and portable communication device.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Ryan Haines \/ Android Authority The Galaxy S25 Edge is one of the most polarizing Android phones of…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":154766,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3159],"tags":[547,542,33579,53,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-154765","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-mobile","8":"tag-mobile","9":"tag-samsung","10":"tag-samsung-galaxy-s25-edge","11":"tag-technology","12":"tag-uk","13":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/114619409406989432","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/154765","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=154765"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/154765\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/154766"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=154765"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=154765"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=154765"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}